Detroit’s own Dutch Girl Donuts, right there on Woodward just south of 7 Mile, was more than just a bakery; it was a landmark, a piece of the city’s soul. For 76 years, folks from all corners of Detroit would line up for those fresh, warm doughnuts, making memories with every bite. So when Dutch Girl closed up shop, it wasn’t just a store shutting down; it felt like losing a piece of the neighborhood, a familiar and comforting presence that had always been there, right in the heart of our community.
Paddy Lynch, the new owner and a lifelong fan of Dutch Girl Donuts, shared his vision for the bakery’s future in a recent conversation with Crain’s Detroit. He emphasized his dedication to the original spirit of the bakery, saying, “With the death of his parents, I don’t think (Jon Timmer) wanted to take everything on himself. He didn’t want to have to own the building, run the business. But he definitely wanted to carry on his parents’ legacy. It’s a nice match. I don’t know how to make doughnuts, but I have a lot of ways to support (Timmer) so he doesn’t have to be distracted with a lot of the other stuff, and he can do what he does best. I think both parties are pleased with the expectations.”
Lynch also discussed the practical aspects of reviving the bakery, noting the need for updates to the building. “The building needs some repairs and updating. Some equipment may be replaced, along with cleaning, painting and window replacements,” he said. Lynch added, “I’m not looking to add on or do anything extraordinary. The goal is to just get up and running by early 2024. There won’t be any type of complete overhaul. We just want the place to get back to where it was five to 10 years ago.”
Jon Timmer, grandson of the original founders and a long-time contributor to the family business, remains a central figure in the bakery’s operation. His continued involvement ensures that the traditional recipes and techniques that made Dutch Girl Donuts a staple in Detroit will be preserved.
Lynch’s acquisition, initially kept under wraps, was publicly confirmed following a deal sealed after a summer agreement. He disclosed the purchase price of the 1,200-square-foot building at 19000 Woodward Ave to be $150,000, though the price for the business itself was not revealed.
The journey to Dutch Girl Donuts’ reopening is a story of a community and its unbreakable bond with a beloved local business. As the bakery prepares to welcome back old and new faces alike, it stands as a symbol of Detroit’s tenacity and the sweet, simple joys that define a community.
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